I have been managing one or two trips a year to the southwest. Latest trip was to the Moab area Arches & Canyonlands Nat'l Parks. Along with hiking and shooting with my new K20D I did some biking but the K20 was to much to haul. I am thinking about getting the Canon G9, anyone have an opinion?
Oh... some shots from the trip. I did lot of pano shooting and Photoshop stitching.

[ivoire]

Great pics! and excellent stitching. I carry my K20D in a slingbag (has a rain cover built in) with the f*300mm mounted and either the 35mm macro or 50mm f1.7 with xtra battery and sd card & gorillapod. I don't bike more than about 25 miles round trip and stop about every 5 miles or so to shoot or wait for things to happen. When I want to travel light i take the fuji finepix p&s and 2 ziplock bags in case of rain. Almost any 6-10mpx point and shoot will deliver great pics, just find one with the features that you use most and go with it. Got this eagle while biking in a florida park with the K10d & f*300mm i had then (wouldn't have gotten the shot with the fuji). landscape shot is from arizona trip with the 6mpx fuji:

[Eastern Shore Charlie]

Only been to Utah once 20 years ago and still remember how beautiful it was...your pictures prove that it is still awesome...

[artifax1]

Ivorie
Nice color! I've only shot one bald eagle, was a very hot hazy day and had to hand hold an *ist d at 300mm no anti shake, the shot way pretty much crap. Got some good gator shots while cycling in Florida.

[G M Fude]

Great photos of a spectacularly beautiful state. Love the moon in the arch.

I am thinking about getting the Canon G9, anyone have an opinion?

We have the el cheapo Powershot A720 IS in the lab at work for taking technical shots etc, and I'm continually surprised at what good JPEGs it takes for $200, the Digic III processor does a great job and the sensor and lens are obviously pretty good for the price. If the G9 is that much better again it could be well worth checking out as a high-end P&S.

I have a Canon S80 for the more strenuous hikes I do where the K10D is consigned to the "yikes, no way" basket because of weight and bulk. My little Canon doesn't take photos anything like my K10D, but if it's a matter of not taking a camera at all and missing a good shot, or carrying a small P&S, then splash some cash on a G9 or similar and I doubt you'll be sorry -- but discipline yourself to carry it always! (except when using your K20D)

[roentarre]

What a beautiful part of the world that I must visit one day.

The rock formation is astounding

[SCGushue]

Beautiful country and some very wonderful images.

Stephen

[cupic]

Love the landscape shot beautiful colours


cheers

[daacon]

Great landscapes. Love the isolated rocky terrain.

[rparmar]

That third shot, the pano, looks very very nice. Definitely one to frame. Moab is great. .. did you try the amazing local beer? If memory serves, Derailer was my fave.

[artifax1]

That third shot, the pano, looks very very nice. Definitely one to frame. Moab is great. .. did you try the amazing local beer? If memory serves, Derailer was my fave.

Thanks, that shot is a 15 image, 300 degree, 820 MB pano of Skyline Arch.
Yes I ate at the Moab Brewery 3 days in a row the CHICKEN ALMOND SALAD with Grilled chicken, celery, roma tomatoes and mixed greens topped with Ginger Vinaigrette and toasted almonds chased with either a Lizard Ale, Dead Horse and yes I tried the Derailleur Ale, was a nice late lunch or early dinner before heading back to Arches to photograph during the evening golden hour.

[k100d]

Thanks, that shot is a 15 image, 300 degree, 820 MB pano of Wall Arch.

i was just going to ask but found the answer
it'd be nice to see a full rez version of the photo in all it's 100% glory

[rparmar]

either a Lizard Ale, Dead Horse and yes I tried the Derailleur Ale, was a nice late lunch or early dinner before heading back to Arches to photograph during the evening golden hour.

Thanks for remembering... it was some years ago for me. And of course my spelling was naff. But I do recall how nice it was.

[artifax1]

Thanks for remembering... it was some years ago for me. And of course my spelling was naff. But I do recall how nice it was.

I just noticed you are from Ireland. My grandparents on my mothers side came to the US from Ireland, really would like to visit and photograph the vivid greens. To bad for me the dollar to Euro sucks.

[rparmar]

I just noticed you are from Ireland. My grandparents on my mothers side came to the US from Ireland, really would like to visit and photograph the vivid greens. To bad for me the dollar to Euro sucks.

I am only a six-year transplant to Ireland from Canada. Yes we have a lot of green but I prefer the rocks and clouds and spooky landscapes. I also thought Utah was amazing, and would gladly go back to the desert.